The Napoleon of Notting Hill

by G. K. Chesterton

Overview

In a future London unchanged by time, governance has become a ceremonial farce. When Auberon Quin, a clerk with a penchant for humor, is randomly appointed king, he whimsically decrees a return to medieval pageantry, assigning elaborate costumes and heraldry to the city's boroughs. Most view this as a jest-except Adam Wayne, the earnest Provost of Notting Hill.

Taking the king's proclamations to heart, Wayne defends his district's honor with fervor, rallying citizens to resist external encroachments. What begins as a mock revival of tradition escalates into a genuine conflict, challenging notions of authority, identity, and the power of individual conviction.

G.K. Chesterton's debut novel is a satirical exploration of the interplay between humor and seriousness, tradition and progress. Through its imaginative narrative, the story invites readers to reflect on the significance of local pride and the unexpected consequences of taking ideas seriously.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781761532450
Publisher:	Living Book Press
Publication date:	07/31/2025
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Widely known as the "Prince of Paradox," G. K. Chesterton was one of the most influential English writers and thinkers of the 20th century. Chesterton's prodigious talents embraced a wide range of subjects, from philosophy and religion to detective fiction and fantasy. And while his writings are light and whimsical, they are filled with direct and honest truths.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword ix
Introduction: Dystopias Are Problems Plus Time xv
Madeline Ashby

Book I
I Introductory Remarks on the Art of Prophecy 3
II The Man in Green 9
III The Hill of Humor 31

Book II
I The Charter of the Cities 43
II The Council of the Provosts 55
III Enter a Lunatic 69

Book III
I The Mental Condition of Adam Wayne 87
II The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull 103
III The Experiment of Mr. Buck 115

Book IV
I The Battle of the Lamps 135
II The Correspondent of the "Court Journal" 151
III The Great Army of South Kensington 163

Book V
I The Empire of Notting Hill 189
II The Last Battle 205
III Two Voices 215

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Whimsically expressed criticism… with a suspicion of gallimaufry and hints of the cap-and-bells here and there.”
—New York Times (1904)

“As irresponsibly ludicrous as a modern burlesque, as quaintly serious, at last, as a medieval morality.”
—The Bookman (May 1904)

Editorial Reviews

"Unquestionably a satirical masterpiece."
—Los Angeles Review of Books

“A strange social satire. . . . [and] a fascinating study of arrogance and folly, of progress and tradition and, oddly, of human nature itself.”
—Fortean Times

From the Publisher